Demleme Makarna Tarifi (Turkish Stewed Pasta)

Name: Demleme Makarna Tarifi (Turkish Stewed Pasta)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 medium Onion (finely chopped); 2-3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 Green Pepper (chopped); 1 Red Pepper (chopped); 1 tablespoon Pepper Paste (Biber Salçası) (or tomato paste if pepper paste is unavailable); 2 medium Tomatoes (chopped); 250-300 grams Pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli); to taste Salt; 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes (Pul Biber) (or to taste); 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste); 2-3 cups Water (hot water, enough to cover the pasta); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil; a few sprigs Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

This recipe guides you through making a delicious Turkish stewed pasta, known as Demleme Makarna. It features a rich sauce made from sautéed onions, garlic, green and red peppers, tomato paste, and fresh tomatoes, seasoned with common Turkish spices. The pasta is then cooked directly in this flavorful sauce, absorbing all the aromatic liquids until tender. It's a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

#pasta

#turkish

#demleme makarna

#one-pot

#vegetarian option

#easy dinner

#mediterranean

Sautéing Onions and Peppers

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

35m

Cook Time

50m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Turkish

Nutrition (per serving)

310

Calories

Protein

50g

Carbs

Fat

Adding Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Pasta Simmering in Sauce

Instructions

0/8 completed

1
Heat the olive oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
Preview
5m
Preview
Heat the olive oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
5m
Don't overcrowd the pan; use a wide pot to ensure even cooking.
2
Add the chopped green and red peppers to the pan. Continue to sauté with the onions and garlic until the peppers begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Preview
6m
Preview
Add the chopped green and red peppers to the pan. Continue to sauté with the onions and garlic until the peppers begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
6m
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of vegetables.
3
Stir in the pepper paste (or tomato paste). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste deepens in color and becomes fragrant.
Preview
2m
Preview
Stir in the pepper paste (or tomato paste). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste deepens in color and becomes fragrant.
2m
Cooking the paste helps to develop its flavor and remove any raw taste.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and mix well with the vegetable and paste mixture. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.
Preview
4m
Preview
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and mix well with the vegetable and paste mixture. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.
4m
Fresh, ripe tomatoes will add the best flavor and acidity to the sauce.
5
Season the sauce with salt, chili flakes, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the spices.
Preview
1m
Preview
Season the sauce with salt, chili flakes, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the spices.
1m
Adjust spices to your preference. Taste and add more salt or chili flakes if needed.
6
Add the dry pasta directly into the sauce. Pour enough hot water into the pan to just cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
Preview
18m
Preview
Add the dry pasta directly into the sauce. Pour enough hot water into the pan to just cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
18m
Use hot water to speed up the cooking process. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom or each other. If using long pasta like spaghetti, you might need to break it in half.
7
Continue to simmer until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes, depending on the pasta type. If the pasta is not cooked and the liquid is gone, add a little more hot water.
Preview
18m
Preview
Continue to simmer until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes, depending on the pasta type. If the pasta is not cooked and the liquid is gone, add a little more hot water.
18m
Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb maximum flavor.
8
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Preview
2m
Preview
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
2m
Allowing the pasta to rest helps the sauce to thicken slightly and settle.